08.02.2023 - By Jon Haws RN: Critical Care Nurse & NCLEX Educator
Normal 12-37 U/L Indications Monitor progression of: Liver disease Response to treatments. Monitor liver toxic medications Description Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme primarily found in liver and heart cells, and to a smaller extent, AST can also be found in the pancreas, kidneys, skeletal muscle, and brain. Levels of AST increase from cell death (necrosis) because the AST enzyme is released into the blood. What would cause increased levels? Liver disease Liver cancer Shock Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Pericarditis Biliary tract obstruction Dermatomyositis Pancreatitis Muscular Dystrophy CVA Hemolytic anemia Delirium Tremens (DT) What would cause decreased levels? N/A